Warm Up What are some bad things that a government could do to its citizens? How can citizens prevent a government from doing these things?

Basic Principles of the United States Constitution

Popular Sovereignty Popular = people Sovereignty = right, or power to rule Popular sovereignty = –People should have the right and the power to rule themselves

How was popular sovereignty portrayed by... English citizens? Magna Carta Glorious Revolution Glorious Revolution Parliament made up of representatives that the people elected Parliament made up of representatives that the people elected Growth of democratic government Growth of democratic government American colonists? Colonial governments VA House of Burgesses Town meetings Declarationof Independence Declarationof Independence Mayflower Compact Framers of the Constitution? “We the People…” Gov’t must always reflect the will of the people Gov’t must always reflect the will of the people Will of people expressed through elections

Limited Government Power of the government should be limited Our government may only do what the people give it the power to do Power denied to government in Constitution and the Bill of Rights Rule of law = –The law applies to everyone, even those who govern

Separation of Powers Framers wanted to make sure that no 1 person or group of people gained too much power. Montesquieu gave the idea to clearly separate the 3 branches of government: - Legislative, Executive, Judicial System of checks and balances makes sure that no one branch would gain too much power.

Federalism National government and state governments share power. Delegated Powers that the Constitution gives to the national government only RESERVED POWERS Powers that the Constitution gives to the states CONCURRENT POWERS Powers that the national and state governments

Supremacy clause: Supremacy clause: – The Constitution and the laws of the national government are the “supreme law of the land”. What happens if there is a conflict between federal and state authority?

Activity Complete Half Sheet Go over together as class

Activity The State Department of Public Instruction has found that elementary and middle school students are scoring poorly on questions regarding the Constitution when taking their SOL tests. They have partnered with WUNC-TV to create and air Public Service Announcements that will educate young citizens about the US Constitution, its principles, and its relevance to every citizen young and old. Six PSA’s will be produced and aired – each of your groups has been hired to produce a PSA.

As a group, read and discuss the Constitutional principle assigned to your group then:  As a group, discuss what you feel is most important about the Constitution. What are the key ideas and themes? Why are these ideas and themes important? Why should young people care and make sure they educate themselves about the Constitution?  How can you explain the Constitutional principle assigned to your group in a clear and creative way? How can you ensure young people understand the principle and why it is important?  Finally, brainstorm your PSA. Remember, it must educate youth about the Constitution and your assigned principle, convince them why they should care about the Constitution and your assigned principle, and grab their attention.

Rubric Your final PSA… o Must be at least 2 minutes in length when aired on television o Should contain an overview of the Constitution (what it is and why it is important) o Must discuss the key principle of the Constitution assigned to your group in detail o Should convince young people to care about the Constitution and this principle (Why is it relevant to every citizen, young and old?) o Should be creative! (While the facts shared must be accurate and educational, make it interesting! Feel free to use props, signs, etc) o Will be performed in front of the class, with all group members taking active, committed roles in the presentation

Government Powers (Division of Powers) National Government Powers Denied Denied National Denied: Expressly denied: Infringe on rights (speech, press, etc.) Silence in Constitution: Only has delegated powers Denied in Federal System: Can’t tax states

Government Powers (Division of Powers) State Government Denied States: Constitution denies certain powers to state, because they are NOT a federal government. Make treaties Print money Deny rights to citizens Denied States Powers Denied

Government Powers (Division of Powers) National Government State Government Powers Granted Powers Denied Concurrent Powers Denied Both Denied Both: Both States and National have been denied these powers Violate rights of citizens

The Supremacy Clause (Article VI, Section 2) City and County Laws State Statues (laws) State Constitutions Acts of Congress United States Constitution The U.S. Constitution is the “Supreme Law of the Land.” If there is a conflict between a lower law and a higher one, the higher one “wins.”